Product Name: L(+)-Tartaric Acid
Synonyms: Dextrotartaric acid, 2,3-Dihydroxysuccinic acid
Chemical Formula: C4H6O6
CAS Number: 87-69-4
Recommended Uses: This organic acid is common in the food sector as an acidulant, also in pharmaceuticals and manufacturing.
Manufacturer Information: Contact details of reliable suppliers and safety offices should be on file for emergencies, procurement, or inquiries.
Emergency Contact: National Poison Control Center or local emergency services.
GHS Classification: Eye Irritation (Category 2A); Skin Irritation (Category 2); Specific Target Organ Toxicity - Single Exposure (Category 3, respiratory system)
Hazard Statements: Causes serious eye irritation; may cause respiratory irritation; causes skin irritation.
Signal Word: Warning
Pictograms: Exclamation mark symbol
Precautionary Statements: Wear eye protection and appropriate gloves, avoid breathing dust, wash hands after handling, ensure good ventilation.
Potential Health Effects: Eye and skin irritation, coughing or respiratory discomfort if inhaled, digestive symptoms if swallowed.
Substance: Single ingredient compound
Chemical Name: L(+)-Tartaric Acid
Concentration: Typically 99% or higher in reagent grade material
Impurities: Minor traces of water or related organic acids might occur in lower purity grades.
Inhalation: Move the affected person to fresh air, loosen tight clothing, and seek medical attention for persistent symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath.
Skin Contact: Remove contaminated clothing, rinse skin thoroughly with water and gentle soap, seek medical attention if redness or irritation persists.
Eye Contact: Rinse gently with plenty of clean water, hold eyelids open for at least 15 minutes, remove contact lenses, consult an eye specialist if irritation continues.
Ingestion: Rinse mouth, do not induce vomiting, drink water to dilute, and get professional medical help for discomfort or lasting symptoms.
Suitable Extinguishing Media: Use water spray, dry chemical, carbon dioxide, or foam. Focus on extinguishing the area around the container.
Special Hazards: Combustion could release irritating fumes such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide.
Protection for Firefighters: Firefighters require suitable protective equipment, including self-contained breathing apparatus and chemical-resistant clothing.
Instructions: Allow only trained personnel to handle large fires, avoid breathing vapors, and isolate the area.
Personal Precautions: Use gloves and safety glasses, avoid breathing dust. Only authorized personnel clear spills.
Environmental Precautions: Prevent entry into drains and water sources by containing any runoff.
Clean-up Methods: Collect spilled substance carefully to minimize dust. Sweep up and place in tight-lidded waste container for proper disposal, use plenty of water for residue. Clean affected area thoroughly to avoid residue hazards.
Precautions for Safe Handling: Minimize dust creation, use in well-ventilated spaces, avoid contact with eyes, skin, and clothing, and practice good hygiene.
Storage Conditions: Store tightly closed in bag or container, keep out of sunlight, store at standard room temperature. Keep away from strong bases and oxidizing agents.
Incompatible Materials: Avoid aluminum, lead, and strong oxidizers, keep away from alkaline substances, store separate from incompatible chemicals.
Occupational Exposure Limits: No specific limits for tartaric acid set by regulatory agencies. Best to keep dust exposure as low as possible.
Engineering Controls: Use local exhaust or ventilation to control airborne exposure, especially in bulk processing and weighing.
Personal Protective Equipment: Safety goggles for eye protection, gloves for hand protection, protective lab coats during handling, dust masks or respirators where dusty conditions develop.
General Hygiene: Regular handwashing and avoiding consumption of food and beverages near the work area lowers risk.
Appearance: White crystalline or powdery solid, odorless
Molecular Weight: 150.09 g/mol
pH (1% solution): 2.2
Melting Point: 170°C
Boiling Point: Decomposes before boiling
Solubility: Soluble in water and alcohol, insoluble in ether
Density: 1.76 g/cm³
Vapor Pressure: Negligible at ambient temperatures
Chemical Stability: Remains stable when stored in sealed containers under normal room temperature and dry conditions.
Reactive Materials: Reacts with strong oxidant chemicals, bases, and some metals including aluminum to form flammable hydrogen gas.
Decomposition: High temperatures cause decomposition, emitting carbon oxides and irritating fumes.
Polymerization: Not known to happen with tartaric acid.
Routes of Exposure: Inhalation, ingestion, skin and eye contact
Acute Effects: Eye and skin irritation, respiratory irritation if inhaled, mild gastrointestinal discomfort if swallowed
Chronic Exposure: Repeated contact with skin or inhalation of dust may worsen irritation over time
LD50 (oral, rat): Approx. 4,360 mg/kg, showing relatively low toxicity
Carcinogenicity: Not listed by IARC, NTP, or OSHA as a carcinogen.
Additional Risks: Large ingestions could affect electrolyte balance, especially in sensitive groups.
Aquatic Toxicity: Low acute toxicity for aquatic organisms; excessive release may disturb local pH.
Persistence and Degradability: Readily biodegradable due to its organic nature
Bioaccumulation: No potential for bioaccumulation; breaks down quickly in the environment
Mobility: High solubility in water indicates easy migration in soil if released; minimize direct release into waterways.
Waste Disposal: Suitable for disposal in accordance with local, regional, and national environmental regulations for non-hazardous organic chemicals.
Container Disposal: Rinse and reuse or recycle if feasible, otherwise, follow appropriate legal protocols for hazardous chemical containers.
Precautions: Avoid release into the environment. Engage certified waste handlers for bulk quantities.
UN Number: Not classified as dangerous for transport.
Transport Label: None required for general cargo, not regulated under ADR, IMDG, or IATA.
Special Precautions: Prevent container damage, keep dry, ensure labeling is clear in transit for safety and compliance.
EU Regulations: Not classified as a dangerous substance under Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008. Labelling precautionary statements advised due to irritant properties.
US Regulations: Not listed as a hazardous substance by SARA Title III, CERCLA, or TSCA as a dangerous chemical.
Workplace Regulations: Standard chemical handling procedures apply, regular training and compliance monitoring recommended.
Disposal Restrictions: Refer to local waste control authorities for guidance and maintain compliance with community and state rules.